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Family of Montague Bus Crash Driver Demand His Release

Ballarat bus driver Jack Aston received a five year sentence for hitting the Montague Bridge and seriously injuring four passengers. The judge called it gross negligence, but Aston’s family and friends say the sentence is grossly unfair. The appeal is set for October 7th. Report by Jeremy Nadel and Lan Wei.

Video by Jeremy Nadel Lan Wei
 

How long should you be jailed for crashing your bus into a low bridge? A Ballarat bus driver, Jack Aston, got five years for hitting the Montague Bridge and seriously injuring four of his passengers. The judge called it gross negligence. Jack’s family and friends call the sentence grossly unfair. Several buses and trucks hit the bridge every year and the gantries and signage that has been installed hasn’t been able to stop them. As an appeal of Jack’s sentence approaches, his family and supporters in Ballarat are taking to the streets to protest for his release.

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THE CITIZEN is a publication of the Centre for Advancing Journalism. It has several aims. Foremost, it is a teaching tool that showcases the work of the students in the University of Melbourne’s Master of Journalism and Master of International Journalism programs, giving them real-world experience in working for publication and to deadline. Find out more →

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